South Carolina's Lowcountry
Definitions of luxury vary from person to person, but I think most would agree that luxury is palpable — yet unpretentious — in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. From its luxuriant marshes, picturesque inlets and unspoiled beaches, to its profusion of verdant golf courses and architecturally striking housing, the region is internationally renown for its history and culture, attracting millions of visitors and thousands of new residents seeking that “ahhhhh” sensation that is so typical a reaction to this bucolic destination.
Stretching from the ancient beach dunes of the Sandhills to the vibrant resorts of Hilton Head, the Palmetto State’s Lowcountry is dotted with dozens of quaint seaside retreats and fishing villages. Murrells Inlet has earned the title “ fish capital of South Carolina” for the fare drawn from its waters and served daily at the many restaurants lining the waterfront. Pawley’s Island, approximately 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach, is one of the country’s oldest beach resorts, and just half an hour away from the bustle of Myrtle Beach, Litchfield is noted for its miles of wide sandy beaches, world-class golf, village-style shops and fine dining. Just off the lowcountry coastline lie a bevy of islands that have established the region’s persona as a casual luxury resort destination. Edisto, Fripp, Kiawah, and Hilton Head are just a few that provide not only copious recreation opportunities and luxury accommodations but a variety of housing – everything from single family estate homes to “lock and leave” condominium apartment flats and townhomes.
Hilton Head Island
Private communities located along this naturally endowed stretch of coastline include DeBordieu Colony, a 2,700-acre hideaway located just north of Charleston in historic Georgetown. Located between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, DeBordieu features a Pete Dye-designed golf course and six and one-half miles of beachfront. Dataw Island is located in the Sea Islands region and was the site of an 18th century plantation that has been transformed into a secluded private community boasting two championship golf courses. Amenities abound at Oldfield in Okatie, conveniently located nearly equidistant between Hilton Head, Beaufort and Savannah. Greg Norman golf, 20-acres of dedicated equestrian facilities, 8 miles of nature trails, tennis, swimming, a variety of water sports and access to a 1,000-acre hunting preserve make this private community one of a kind. Nature is the key amenity at Hilton Head Lakes in Hardeeville where the 452-acre community is surrounded by nature preserves and 22 miles of lake shoreline. Hampton Lake, located in Bluffton, just west of Hilton Head Island, received top honors in the 2009 National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) “Best in America Living Awards” (BALA). Initially envisioned as a golf community, Hampton Lake was redesigned as a lake community with a resort style amenity complex, enhanced by a 340-acre nature preserve with nine miles of trails.
Shopping for a new, vacation or second home in South Carolina’s Lowcountry is like going to an “all you can eat” buffet — so much – and then so much more. Finding just the right combination of enticements can make the experience very gratifying.
We have lived at Hampton Lake for over a year and enjoy the well developed amenity center along with the excellent restaurant and friendly staff. The developement is designed for a variety of life styles. It is easy to participate as much or as little as one wishes. The Savannah airport, Hilton Head Island, and beautiful Beaufort are all each, within half an hour drive. Historic Bluffton is a 10 minute drive to quaint restaurants, shops, markets, art galleries and the May River views. The living is easy, relaxed and suits us perfectly.
Having lived all over the U.S. and in Europe, we can objectively say that there is no better place to live! Choosing Hampton Lake among numerous places we considered in the Carolinas was the luckiest and best decision we ever made. Pick and adjective from “A to Z” and it applies to “life on the water” here in Hampton Lake.
Living here full time is a dream and the location is perfect: 20 mininutes to Hilton Head beaches and 25 minutes to historic downtown Savannah and the airport out the back gate.
Indeed paradise for us!
The builders and designers of Hampton Lake took care to give attention to both the large and small details. From the home construction to the amenity center to the well-stocked and managed (by the dept of natural resources) lake to hiking trails to the dog park, the little things that the rest of us might not immediately notice, but that make a huge difference to the quality of the community were taken care of. After quite a bit of investigation, my wife and I made the right decision to purchase at Hampton Lake. We’re most pleased.
Hampton Lake in Bluffton, SC is a wonderful laid back gated community. We couldn’t be happier there. There is something going on practically every weekend if you choose to participate. The amenity center is done to perfection. They thought of everything (state-of-the-art fitness center, fishing, boating, dining, tennis, game room, walking trails and of course the lazy river among other pools).
I love Hampton Lake! It has amazing amenities. My kids love their pool and I am always in the mood to use a boat from their boathouse and go fishing on the lake. It’s such a beautiful place!
Hampton Lake is such a wonderful community! I love their amenities. It’s a great place for all ages!